Photo: Simply Beautiful Events
If it's one thing we learned from our interactions with hundreds of soon-to-wed couples at the Before I Do Bridal Fair series, it's that we'd all love to hear what newlyweds have to say about their own journey to the altar and wedding reception.
Advice from newlyweds are certainly most welcome. Sage wisdom from actual couples who have been through the entire wedding experience — from planning all the way to the ceremony, reception, and beyond — is refreshingly honest and pure.
Photo: Studio1 Photography
We featured professional doctors and newlyweds, Edrie and Jen, as they shared their love story with us and our friends. Here they are with their 6 tips for couples who are just about to get married:
The Importance of Checks and Balances
"We had to keep track with our budget and put priority on what is most important for us," shared Jen. "There are challenges we encountered during the wedding preps — mostly due to disagreements regarding our decisions. We had to stick to the budget we set. We had to always put in mind that the wedding is a testament to our love for each other, everything else comes second. Regardless of how simple our wedding would be, what is important is that this was a strong symbol of our love and commitment to each other."
Do Your Research
Make the most of your time at the bridal fair, Jen advises.
"Lesson learned during bridal fairs: it is important to do research with the suppliers you wanted before booking them. Visiting bridal fairs is most of the time overwhelming especially if you just go there without doing research. It would be a time saver if you already had a list of suppliers in mind to visit at the bridal fair."
On Due Diligence
"It is vital to check the contracts, read them carefully and request all the details being discussed to be written in the contract. There might be some details written in the contracts that are not being discussed during the time you booked them that may surprise you later because your expectations do not fit the outcome. I have already prepared questions for the suppliers before booking them and then have them be clarified during the booking."
On Taking Things Easy
We know it's hard to just let things go, especially on your big day when everything has to be absolutely perfect.
"Avoid being a pessimist. It does not help. If you are always worried during your day, it will just ruin your look and your big day. Trust the suppliers. They are there to help you. In the end, regardless of what will happen during the wedding, you will still be married and go home as husband and wife — which is first and foremost, the goal of this wedding."
Photo: Studio1 Photography
Don't Go Hungry
"Avoid starving yourself before the wedding. In my case, after the wedding, I was very hungry because I was not able to eat during the wedding," Jen recalled.
With the flurry of activity going on, especially on the big day itself, you can easily lose track of time — and even forget to eat. Remember: you've already been up early for hair and makeup, getting dressed, and your first round of photos before the ceremony. Then you'll have the ceremony itself, more photos in between, and finally, the wedding reception.
Best advice from Summer Reyes-Carullo of Simply Beautiful Events: "Anticipate your activities for the day, and make time for a heavy breakfast — something like bacon and eggs." A bit heavier on protein and fats, and less carbs, so you have enough energy to sustain you throughout your itinerary — without worrying about fitting into your gown.
Photo: Studio1 Photography
The Most Important Wedding Supplier to Book?
Edrie was quick to answer this one.
"Hire a wedding coordinator. Trust us, you will need one."
For their big day, Jen and Edrie booked the services of Simply Beautiful Events.
"At first we were worried that Ms. Summer would roll her eyes at our naivete and total ignorance of wedding planning," Jen confessed, "but she answered all of our questions with more patience than we both had combined. Also, she was instrumental in getting our other suppliers to toe the line, arrive on time, and avoid giving us last-minute stress."